Salem Community Patriot May 27, 2011 - 15


“Kn w Y ur Car” How to Spend Less on Fuel When Gas Prices Rise


(ARA) - Remember when $4 seemed like an outrageous amount to spend on a gallon of gasoline? Now that number doesn’t seem so far-fetched. While you can’t do anything to control the unrest in the Middle East or oil rig explosions that could lead to gas prices spiking at a moment’s notice, there are a few things you can do to help ease the pain of high gas prices.


While buying a more fuel-efficient car might be an option for some, new and used cars that get more miles per gallon tend to be more in demand—and more expensive—when gas prices are high. If a new car isn’t an option for you, imple- menting the following changes can help ensure that you get


the most from the fuel in your gas tank: * Keep the gas you buy in your car. When gas prices are


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low, stealing gas would likely be more trouble than it’s worth, but when prices are high, it’s not uncommon for thieves to siphon gas from vehicles, especially those with larger tanks. Adding a locking gas cap can be done for much less than the cost of a tank of gas. In addition to preventing theft, locking fuel tank caps can also prevent anyone from tampering with your gas tank. * Keep your tank full. While you’re looking to reduce the amount of gasoline you are using, constantly running your car with the tank close to empty can wear down your fuel pump. “The gasoline in the tank keeps the fuel pump cool. Take away the gas and the fuel pump runs hot and has a shorter life,” says Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president of RockAuto.com. If you have an older car that has accumulated dirt and rust at the bottom of the tank, keeping a full tank can help your fuel burn cleaner. * Keep your car in shape. Keeping your engine properly tuned improves fuel efficiency by an average of 4 percent and repairing a major issue like a faulty oxygen sensor could improve efficiency by up to 40 percent, according the U.S. Department of Energy. The RockAuto.com parts catalog has oxygen sensors from $10 to more than $100 depending on the car,” says Taylor. Especially if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you could quickly recoup the cost of an oxygen sensor or other repair after as little as one tank of gas through improved fuel economy.


Keep your tires


inflated prop- erly. Keeping your


tires at


the optimal level not only keeps you safer, but can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent, according to the De- partment of Energy. Your owner’s manual should tell you the proper psi (pounds per square inch) levels for your vehicle. * Drive for optimal gas mileage. How you drive can affect


how much gas you use. Most cars run at peak efficiency at around 60 mph, with fuel economy decreasing sharply when traveling faster. Aggressive driving with rapid acceleration and slowing will also have a negative effect on your fuel economy. * Reduce weight and drag. Getting rid of items such as roof equipment when they aren’t being used can help your car become more aerodynamic and run more efficiently. Keeping unnecessary items in your car, especially if they are heavy, can also make your car work harder and use more fuel than it needs to.


By adding up the small savings gained by each of these


tips, you can really notice a difference on how much you are paying at the pump, especially over a long period of time.


Tips for Preparing Your Car for Warm-Weather Driving


(ARA) - With warmer weather setting in across the country, now is the perfect time to enjoy a road trip. While millions of Americans are hitting the pavement in hopes of a travel adventure, many do so without realizing that the effects of winter are still taking a toll on their vehicles. Here are a few tips to make sure drivers are prepared for a successful road travel season. * Watch for inflation: As temperatures change, so can tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box and should be checked monthly. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear and under-inflation reduces a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent.


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air filter can improve acceleration time by 6 to 11 percent. * Keep it clean: Cars, trucks or SUVs likely took a beating from this winter’s harsh conditions and corrosive elements, including freezing rain, snow, ice, sand and salt. Keeping vehicles clean will help protect them from the chemicals and dirt that may attack the car’s finish and undercarriage. Be sure to use quality cleaners. * Check that tread: The economy has forced many to post- pone tire purchases, but after enduring what was most likely a harsh winter and coping with wet spring weather, it is a bad time to have low treads. The lower the tread depth, the less traction on wet roads, and the greater the distance needed to stop. It is imperative that the tires on a vehicle are in good working order. Advances in tire technology are helping deliver a new generation of tires that offer all-season traction and in- creased comfort. For those in need of new tires, drivers should consider Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring tires, which are built for a smooth, comfortable ride. For more helpful car care advice or information on tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyear.com.


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